Hans Gál: Music for Viola, Volume Two
Hans Gál (1890–1987) wrote extensively for the viola, first as a major composer in the German-speaking world in the 1920s and ’30s, and then as a leading cultural figure in post-War Edinburgh, where he had taken refuge after the Nazis seized power in his native Austria. This second volume of his music for viola spans four decades, with four trios from before and after that dislocation, each with its own background, sound-world and personality, although they are unified by Gál’s gift for melody, counterpoint and poised, elegant chamber writing.
Hanna Pakkala, viola
Reijo Tunkkari, violin
Lauri Pulakka, cello
Niamh McKenna, flute
Päivi Severeide, harp
Irina Zahharenkova, piano
Listen To This Recording:
Trio for Violin, Viola & Piano, Op. 97b (7:52)*
- I. Moderato assai (7:53)
- II. Andantino capriccioso (5:16)
- III. Tema con variazioni (5:58)
Serenade for Violin, Viola & Cello, Op. 41 (24:54)
- I. Capriccioso (9:23)
- II. Cantabile (5:54)
- III. Menuetto (5:30)
- IV. Alla Marcia (4:07)
Divertimento for Flute, Viola and Harp, Op. 80b (15:11)*
- I. Prelude. Moderato (2:26)
- II. Cantabile. Andante (4:02)
- III. Menuetto. Allegro comodo (4:02)
- IV. Rondo. Allegro energico (4:41)
- Impromptu for Viola & Piano (3:54)
Trio for Violin, Viola & Cello, Op. 104 (24:02)
- I. Tranquillo con moto (8:43)
- II. Presto (4:43)
- III. Tema con variazioni (10:36)
*First Recordings
Marçal Borotau :
‘En [Trio per a violí, viola i piano, op. 97b] d’aquesta peça, la violista finlandesa Hanna Pakkala —coneguda per la seva versatilitat, ja que interpreta tant música clàssica moderna com barroca— destaca per la seva elegància i la seva profunditat musica. […]
Tot i que Hans Gál va quedar en certa manera eclipsat per altres compositors de la seva època, l’obra de Gál ha estat revigoritzada en les últimes dècades, i la seva música ha començat a rebre més atenció per la seva bellesa i profunditat.’
—Marçal Borotau, Sonagrama
Classical Music Daily :
‘Whenever I get the chance to listen to music of Hans Gál (1890-1987), I am happy because I know it will be an enjoyable experience. […]
The music [of Trio for Violin, Viola and Piano] is warm and lyrical. All three instruments are treated equally, and there are many exchanges of dialogue, reminiscent of three friends having a discussion in a drawing room, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not in agreement, and at other times expounding on previous discussion. The piano writing is frequently virtuosic. I am especially fond of the genial and somewhat whimsical second movement. The last part of the third movement (Theme and variations) will take your breath away. […]
This superb disc, beautifully recorded and performed with finesse and an affection for the music, is truly outstanding. The booklet provides excellent information and analysis. I would heartily recommend this disc to any lovers of fine chamber music, and I hope that Hans Gál’s music finds many more listeners and much more interest.’
—Geoff Pearce, Classical Music Daily
The Absolute Sound :
‘If you are a classical music lover looking for something new, and not yet another Beethoven symphony set, the Toccata Classics catalog is worth a look. This small British label has an uncanny ability of unearthing excellent music by composers whose popularity did not survive their careers, or were not ambitious enough to promote their work. The case of Hans Gál is a typical example of a fine artist whose life was turned upside down by the cataclysms of the 20th century. […] sic is tuneful and beautifully crafted, but a divertimento for flute, viola, and harp, published in 1957, is especially delectable, showcasing Gál’s Mozartian sense for color and lyricism. Performances are excellent, and the sonics are, as is typical with this label, airy and very natural.’
—Peter Burwasser, The Absolute Sound
Fanfare :
‘I am very impressed with the performances. Every player is immersed in the style, and the ensemble is tight and dynamic. The sonics are equally fine. Recommended.’
—Mark Novak, Fanfare